Before you head off to a busy weekend, I want to drop by and offer three things that I’ve read that have been challenging and helpful. Have a great weekend!

#1

Without this text, firmly established at the authoritative center of our communal and personal lives, we will founder. We will sink into a swamp of well-meaning but ineffectual men and women who are mired unmercifully in our needs and wants and feelings.

Eat This Book by Eugene Peterson

Well-meaning is not what Jesus is after in his followers. Of course, we should be well-meaning but the goal is greater than that. Scripture is revelation from God that constantly challenges us, pushes us, and convicts us among other things. When we leave Scripture behind, or do not place it in the center, we run the risk of cutting ourselves off from the work Christ wants to do through us not to mention in us.

#2

Among the most robust of these findings is what it takes for the mind to grow: challenge and support.

Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan, Lisa Laskow Lahey

Challenge and support. Support without challenge leads down a path of enabling. Challenge without support is just plain mean. But both together provide a foundation for growth. Why is it that my favorite coaches and teachers in life have been the ones who I knew cared about me as a person and cared about me enough to encourage the best version of me to be formed? Challenge and support.

#3

Generous and authentic leadership will always defeat the selfish efforts of someone doing it just because he/she can.

Tribes by Seth Godin

Godin confirms that talent is not the end-all and be-all for leadership. I love this quote and am challenged by it at the same time. How often do I place my will at the center of the people I am serving in leadership rather than God’s will? How often instead of doing the deep work of giving myself to those God places me around do I lean upon talent?